Ralph G. Birdsley

Ralph Gerdes Birdsley, 84, of Falls City, was born on December 10, 1933 in rural Shubert, to Leonard Lloyd and Mildred Florence (Gerdes) Birdsley.

He grew up in Shubert before moving to the family farm north of Barada.Ralph attended school in Barada and then Falls City High School graduating with the class of 1952.

Ralph did farm work with his father and other local farmers in the area and worked for Hinky Dinky in Falls City.On Dec. 5, 1956, Ralph was drafted in the United States Army and served his country in the states and finished his service in Germany.He was honorably discharged from the military on Dec. 4, 1958.

Upon his return home from military service, Ralph continued farming and also worked at a local factory.Ralph was united in marriage to Kathryn Kuezburg in 1958 and the couple later divorced.In 1975, Ralph was united in marriage to Jan Shaffer.He was employed as a maintenance man for 10 years at a local nursing home that was then known as Northview Care Center.Ralph was also a carrier and distributor for the Omaha World Herald for over 40 years.

Ralph passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at the Community Medical Center in Falls City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in law Jeff Shaffer.

Ralph is survived by his wife Jan Birdsley, of Falls City, children: Jennifer Birdsley of Marysville, KS; Jackie Rash and significant other Bill Calvert of Falls City; James Birdsley and significant other Lori Swenson of Frankfort, KS; Judith Birdsley and significant other Robert Winsea of Reserve, KS; Jerry Birdsley and wife Sabine of Centralia, KS; Megan Curless and significant other Gerald Grogg Jr. ofHorton, KS; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister Ramona Scholl and husband David of Lincoln, NE; one niece, three nephews and other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services will be held by the family at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.

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